NBC has made the deal with Mark Burnett and Roma Downey to make a sequel to the popular mini-series The Bible. NBC reportedly outbid the History Channel for the sequel series.

“I followed the development process of The Bible closely with Mark and knew that the story was far from over after Christ’s Crucifixion,” said Bob Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment, in a statement. “In fact, what happened in the aftermath – which is essentially the beginning of Christianity – is utterly fascinating. The day after The Bible premiered, I told Mark we were on board with no hesitation for the follow-up miniseries. This will be attention-getting in every way, and we’re proud to continue our association with Mark which has just grown exponentially from The Voice.”

The new series will be titled Beyond the Blue. Burnett said, “It will begin in the dark days after Jesus’ betrayal and death. A perfect storm brews in the Holy Land, fueled by social injustice, Roman military oppression and religious unrest. High priests and the Herod dynasty vie for power. Zealot revolutionaries turn to violence to regain what they believe is their promised land.  And in the face of terrible odds and brutal persecution, the small band of Jesus’ disciples stand against the combined might of Rome and their own local authorities. In a generation of rebellion, war, famine, and carnage, who can they trust? Who should they fear? Will tomorrow bring a violent death? For many, it does … but others survive, and as the storm around them breaks, the fate of Israel, of Rome and of their faith is decided.”